A heatwave is making its way across Europe with multiple destinations suffering from temperatures over 40C and forced to close attractions – here’s what Brit holiday makers need to know
Countries across Europe are experiencing extreme temperatures for this time of year — here’s a round-up of European holiday hotspots with high temperatures.
Brits travelling to Greece, Turkey or Cyprus are being warned to expect extremely high temperatures as a heatwave spread across parts of Europe. Four people have recently died in Greece likely due to the hot weather, and now authorities are recommending people to stay inside and stay hydrated.
Here is a run down of the hottest countries at the moment, and which holiday hotpots are particularly suffering.
Greece
Greece has seen extreme temperatures over the past days, which has led to the closure of some attractions and a mini-lockdown. Schools have had to close and the Acropolis in Athens has restricted its opening hours. Temperatures exceeded 40C on Thursday in much of central and southern Greece.
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The Greek Met Office has also issued an emergency weather bulletin, warning of temperatures of up to 43C in the eastern Peloponnese and up to 42C in Crete and the Dodecanese islands. Athens could reach 42C.
UK tourists heading to Greek islands on holiday have been put on “red alert”. Parts of Greece could reach up to 44C on Friday June 14.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service released a weather warned earlier this week, which stated: “On Friday (14-6-2024) the temperature will drop in the west, central and north, but in the rest of the areas it will remain at very high levels, while from the afternoon hours a change in weather is expected in northern Greece with thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds.”
“In the northern mainland the maximum temperature will reach 34 to 36 degrees and in central Macedonia 37 degrees Celsius, while its minimum values will range around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius.
“In the rest of the mainland the maximum temperature will reach 36 to 38 degrees, in the interior of Sterea, Thessaly and Peloponnese 39 degrees Celsius, while the minimum values will range around 25 to 27 degrees.
“In the island country the maximum temperature will reach 34 to 36 degrees and in the islands of the eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese and the interior of Crete 37 to 39 and possibly 40 degrees Celsius while its minimum values will range around 27 to 28 degrees Celsius.
“It is noted that over the weekend across the country, the temperature will drop by six to eight degrees and return to normal levels for the season. At the same time, strengthened northerly winds will prevail.”
Locations in Greece currently experiencing extreme temperatures and where tourists are urged to take extra care, are:
- Athens
- The Cyclades islands
- Crete
- Eastern Peloponnese
- Dodecanese Islands
- Amorgos
Cyprus
Temperatures in Cyprus have reached up to 39C thus week, and even caused wildfires to break out near Paphos. Fires have broken out near the village of Polemi and since, Cyprus has activated its Pyros nation plan and requested aid from neighbouring countries.
The Department of Meteorology in Cyprus has issued an “extreme maximum weather warning” for Friday June 14. The department warns that the inland maximum temperature is expected to rise as high as 45C, with a temperature of 35C even in the mountains.
The department’s statement reads: “Take action, extreme high temperatures are expected. Protect yourself and support vulnerable people. Act on advice given by authorities. Expect possible infrastructural breakdowns.”
Turkey
Five different fires broke out on Wednesday June 12 in Turkey. According to Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli, two of the fires were under control by the late afternoon.
Forest fires in Istanbul and Izmir have been brought under control, however further fires across the west of the country and on the Black Sea are continuing.
The temperatures in Turkey could reach up to 45C until Friday, due to warm air masses coming across from North Africa.
The Turkish State Meteorological Service has released several weather warnings in the past few days, including storm, wind and temperature warnings. The rising temperature warning states: “Air temperatures are still above seasonal normal in Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions, and around seasonal normal in other places… On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, it will be eight to 12 degrees above seasonal norms in the inner parts of Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolia and Western and Central Black Sea regions, and four to eight degrees above seasonal norms in other regions.”
The statement continued: “With the rainfall over the weekend, temperatures are expected to decrease in the western parts and fall to around seasonal norms.”
In the coming days, the Turkish State Meteorological Service expects the following high temperatures in each province (in Celsius):
- Ankara: 34-36
- Istanbul: 32-34
- Izmir: 37-40
- Kayseri: 31-35
- Aydin: 42-45
- Balikesir: 39-42
- Bursa: 37-39
- Sakarya: 36-39
- Antalya: 37-45
- Adana: 37-42
- Bolu: 32-35
- Samsun: 27-30
- Trabzon: 26-28
- Erzurum: 25-28
- Malatya: 33-36
- Diyarbakir: 36-40
- Sanliurfa: 36-40
They added: “Due to the high temperatures, our citizens, especially those with chronic diseases, the elderly and children, should be careful and cautious not to be in open areas between 11 and 16, which are the hottest hours of the day.”
The UK government is warning people to stay in the shade, avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated. Also, the government has emphasised how this is particularly important for travellers that are particularly vulnerable, such as people aged over 65, people with underlying health conditions and people who are already ill and dehydrated.
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